John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Joseph Pasquariello was a much beloved language teacher at Tottenville HS on Staten Island for 24 years, with deep and abiding connections to his colleagues and students. He shared his love of Italian and Spanish with generations of students, many of whom kept in touch and continued to visit with him after graduation.
“He was an amazing teacher, gentle and wise, who taught with grace and sensitivity,” said former student Jean Lubrano, who was in his class from 1973 to 1976, and stayed in touch with visits and calls through the years since.
Joseph, who retired in 1994, died of coronavirus on March 31, 2020, at age 85, at home following a brief illness.
“He was a proud member of the UFT,” said his daughter, Rose Pasquariello. “I believe there is no greater honor for a teacher than to be remembered and respected decades after a student has been in their classroom. My father was honored in just that way by former students who are now retirees themselves.”
The tributes from former colleagues and students have poured in on an online site at silive.com. “He was a true gentleman from head to toe. I was a colleague when I taught Level One Spanish,” said Joseph Pastrana. “He was always in good spirits and had a very dry, gentle humor. One could not imagine him ever losing his cool or getting overly emotional. That he loved teaching was evident every day.”
Theresa Askew Hines had Pasquariello as a teacher in the early 1970s at Tottenville HS, and said she “was always impressed with how down to earth he was in the classroom. We students enjoyed hearing his funny stories about his family and early days in the seminary, while learning Italian from the best. Mr. Pasquariello had class!”
Joseph arrived in the United States in 1952 at age 17, from Avellino, Italy. He began teaching in 1959, first at Poly Prep Country Day School, then St. John’s University and John P. Stevens HS in New Jersey, before beginning his career at Tottenville HS in 1970. He also taught part time at Hunter College, Staten Island Community College, the College of Staten Island and Wagner College.
While teaching, Joseph continued his studies and received a master’s degree in Spanish from Hunter College and completed the coursework toward a doctorate degree in Italian from Rutgers University. He also obtained a certificate in administration and supervision from the College of Staten Island.
Joseph had a great interest in culture and the arts. He enjoyed opera, reading Italian newspapers and magazines, and watching Italian and Spanish programs. He was an avid soccer fan and especially enjoyed matches of the Italian, English and Spanish leagues, said his daughter, Rose.
Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Angela, in 1983. He is survived by his three children: Dr. Palmo Pasquariello and daughter-in-law Ella, Rose and Vincent Pasquariello; by his brother, Augusto; and his two sisters, Adua Modano and Adrienne Di Blasi.
Condolences may be sent to:
Rose Pasquariello
181 Isabella Ave.
Staten Island NY 10306
